At each of my clinics, my attention first turns to the horses’ tack to check for fit, adjustment and function. When it comes to saddle fit, my eyes always go to these three parts of the horse first: the withers, the shoulders and the loins.
Most of the saddle fit issues I see affect one of these three parts of the horse. Often problems can be fixed by simply adjusting the … [Read more...]

Ask Julie Goodnight:
Is My Saddle Causing My Horse’s Issues?
Question: Dear Julie,
Six months ago I bought a seven-year-old Quarter Horse gelding and he has turned out to be an awesome trail riding horse and a promising versatility ranch horse prospect. He is dark brown and very cute but over the past couple months he has developed spots of white hairs just below his … [Read more...]

Avoid Gate Sour Behavior…
Is your horse gate sour? Does he want to stop at the gate and think he’s headed back to the barn? All horses have this tendency instinctively, and if not handled correctly, it can escalate into very difficult behavior. Sometimes known as “gate gravity” and it is an indication that your horse is disobedient and does not trust your leadership skills … [Read more...]

Ask Julie Goodnight
Question:
I was on the Internet searching for info on rearing and found your web site. I have a question I hope you can help with. I have a 6 Yr. old Thoroughbred. He came off the track at 4yrs old and has had on ground training and started jumping. I noticed some lameness issues with him after a long move. He has been sent to the Washington State … [Read more...]

Question: Julie, I have a question that I am hoping you can help me with. My gelding canters on the lunge line with no problem. However, when I am riding, it is difficult to make him take up the canter. And, then when he does, he takes off very fast. Do you have any suggestions on how to train him to be more willing and consistent? Also, is there anything I can do to make him … [Read more...]

Annual Check-up: Saddle Fit Each year, about this time, I make it a point to look with fresh eyes at each of my horses to see if any saddle adjustments are necessary. Horses that I have had for years (riding in the same tack) can suddenly outgrow or change enough to need a new saddle or pad. Time Will Tell A horse’s body shape changes drastically throughout his life each year … [Read more...]